Evaluation of different taurine levels on the weaning of the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili)

Abstract

Taurine is an essential nutrient for larval development and growth, mainly in carnivorous marine fish such as the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). However, there are no available data on dietary taurine supplementation during the weaning period of this species. For those reasons, four granulated microdiets containing 0.24 to 4.24 % of taurine levels were evaluated in 30 days post-hatching (dph) greater amberjack larvae until 44 dph. Growth parameters, survival, histology, and skeletal anomalies were determined. The larvae fed Tau 1.24 had the greatest total length, weight gain and daily weight gain. Additionally, larvae fed Tau 0.24, Tau 1.24 and Tau 2.24 presented a healthy liver appearance, while the valorization of the intestine along the different regions was similar between treatments. However, total skeletal severe anomalies were high for the groups fed taurine at 0.24 and 4.24%. Therefore, the present results suggest the importance of adequate taurine supplementation in the weaning of the greater amberjack, as it impacts the growth and the incidence of skeletal anomalies in the fish.